Black Hawk College broke ground Aug. 28 for an 8,450-square-foot science lab addition at the East Campus near Kewanee.

The $3 million facility will house three labs – two biology labs and a shared chemistry and physics lab – as well as faculty offices, a resource room, student commons space, and preparatory and storage space.

There also will be outdoor seating, a decorative landscaping area and a bioswale to catch rainwater from the roof.

The addition will be connected to Building B and will replace current lab facilities in that building.

“There have been about 17,000 students on the science course rosters since the original lab was built in 1978,” said Dr. Alan Abbott, chemistry professor.

“Well, it’s time for a change. By next fall, our chemistry biology and physics courses will be in new laboratories on this spot,” he said.

“To the faculty and students in biology, chemistry, and physics, this is truly an exciting time.”

In chemistry, instructors will be able to expand their online and computer enhanced laboratories with a rolling computer lab. New equipment also will expand teaching opportunities in spectroscopy and chromatography.

In biology, one lab will be especially configured for anatomy and physiology while the other will be for general biology. Both labs will have enhanced access to computers, specialized laboratory equipment and safety equipment.

“The Science Lab addition is a great example of the type of investment we are making to ensure current and future Black Hawk College students have the opportunity to earn a quality education,” said Dr. Bettie Truitt, interim vice president for instruction.